NBA: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren lead Thunder past Wizards

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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots against Washington Wizards guard Landry Shamet, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Washington, Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

WASHINGTON — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points, Chet Holmgren added 31 and the Oklahoma City Thunder led most of the way in a 136-128 victory over the Washington Wizards on Monday night in the NBA.

Jalen Williams added 21 points and 10 assists for the Thunder, who avoided a third loss following defeats at Atlanta and Brooklyn to begin a four-game road trip.

Oklahoma City, which entered as the NBA’s second-best shooters, went 59.1% (52 of 88) from the floor and 50% (14 of 28) from 3-point range, narrowly missing season highs in both categories.

Holmgren spearheaded that effort, making 11 of 14 shots and going 4 of 5 from beyond the arc.

SGA and Chet Holmgren distributed immense BUCKETS in D.C. to give OKC the win ⛈️

SGA: 32 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST
Chet: 31 PTS, 5 AST, 4 3PM pic.twitter.com/v31cNvyqN7

— NBA (@NBA) January 9, 2024

Jordan Poole scored 24 points, and Kyle Kuzma added 22 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in Washington’s fifth-straight defeat.

Tyus Jones added 18 points and had nine assists for the Wizards, who lost despite going 46.9% (15 of 32) from 3-point range.

But Kuzma — Washington’s leader in average 3s made and attempted — missed on all five of his attempts from beyond the arc. And after his layup pulled Washington to within 100-97 late in the third, Gilgeous-Alexander answered with a driving bank shot before the period expired.

Williams’ 11 fourth-quarter points helped ensure the Thunder maintained a multiple-possession lead for the remainder of the contest.

UP NEXT

Thunder: Visit Miami on Wednesday night.

Wizards: Visit Indiana on Wednesday night.